Suggestions to engage children with ADHD:

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• Incorporate Movement into Learning: Use activities that allow them to move, like scavenger hunts, relay games, or activities that involve walking between stations. Movement-based tasks help sustain their attention and reduce restlessness.

• Use Short, Varied Activities: Break down lessons into short, varied tasks to keep them engaged. Mixing up activities every 5-10 minutes (like switching from writing to drawing, then a hands-on task) can hold their focus longer.

• Set Clear, Manageable Goals: Provide specific, achievable goals for each activity to give them a sense of purpose. For example, "Sort these objects into two groups" or "Find three items of each colour" helps focus their attention on a clear task.

• Offer Immediate Positive Feedback: Positive reinforcement, like verbal praise or a small reward system, can boost motivation. Letting them know right away that they’re doing well helps reinforce desired behaviours.

• Use Multi-Sensory Activities: Engage as many senses as possible—touch, sight, sound, and movement—to make learning more immersive and engaging. Activities like building, sorting, or using music can help retain their attention.

• Encourage Hands-On, Interactive Tasks: Provide physical activities like constructing, experimenting, or exploring objects, which cater to their need for tactile and kinaesthetic engagement.

• Offer Choices and Autonomy: Giving children some control, like choosing the order of tasks or picking their materials, can enhance their engagement. Controlled choices allow them to feel invested without being overwhelmed.

• Create a Structured Routine with Visual Aids: Visual schedules, timers, or checklists provide structure and predictability. Knowing what to expect next helps them transition between activities more smoothly and reduces impulsive behaviour.

• Incorporate Brain Breaks: Allow short breaks between tasks for physical movement or a calming activity. This could be jumping jacks, a quick dance, or a minute with a fidget tool, helping to reset focus and energy.

• Use Engaging, High-Interest Topics: Tailor activities around their interests (like animals, superheroes, or science experiments) to capture their natural curiosity. When they’re personally interested, they’re more likely to stay engaged and retain information.

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